Gardenia Duran

Gardenia Duran

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Hometown: Tacoma, WA

 

Educational background: Bachelors of Social Work & Bachelors of Psychology

 

Host Site: The Way Free Clinic

 

What is your title and role at your host site?
My title is Community Health Education Coordinator. This role is versatile and includes health education on diet, exercise, as well as referrals to appropriate programs per patient, and instruction on access to medical insurance.  In this position, I will attend community outreach events as a way to educate patients on resources available to them.  This position ultimately requires for one to best serve a community in need of medical insurance, and will be a pillar in my work.

Why did you join AmeriCorps/National Health Corps?
I joined AmeriCorps because I needed an opportunity to push myself beyond my limits. I want to test my capabilities, improve them, and serve others while I go on this personal journey. Recently, I graduated with a Bachelors of Social Work. This program inspired me to continue my pursuit in social services and to become the person I hope to be; a well-rounded social worker.

What are you hoping to gain from your year of service?
I am hoping to gain true insight in my strengths and weaknesses from my year of service. I believe this will help me determine if I am fit for the Masters of Social Work programs I hope to apply for. Apart from this, I hope to see substantial progress in my site while I am serving there. I want to be a true asset to the clinic.

What are your plans after AmeriCorps service?
My plans after AmeriCorps consist of graduate school. However, I am contemplating serving in AmeriCorps for two years. I believe this will give me a richer experience, depending on how the first year turns out.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?
In the next five years, I envision myself having a Masters of Social Work. I would like to continue working in the Health Sector after this, possibly in a hospital. After working for about two years, I plan on applying to a doctorate program. As of now, I am considering further my studies in community organizing.